US8810786B2 - Device for detecting the level of a liquid in a container - Google Patents

Device for detecting the level of a liquid in a container Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US8810786B2
US8810786B2 US13/259,641 US201013259641A US8810786B2 US 8810786 B2 US8810786 B2 US 8810786B2 US 201013259641 A US201013259641 A US 201013259641A US 8810786 B2 US8810786 B2 US 8810786B2
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
container
optical structure
liquid
level
main surface
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related, expires
Application number
US13/259,641
Other versions
US20120026514A1 (en
Inventor
Giuseppe Marone
Marco Musso
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Elbi International SpA
Original Assignee
Elbi International SpA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Elbi International SpA filed Critical Elbi International SpA
Assigned to ELBI INTERNATIONAL S.P.A. reassignment ELBI INTERNATIONAL S.P.A. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MARONE, GIUSEPPE, MUSSO, MARCO
Publication of US20120026514A1 publication Critical patent/US20120026514A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US8810786B2 publication Critical patent/US8810786B2/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Adjusted expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G01F23/22—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
    • G01F23/28—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring the variations of parameters of electromagnetic or acoustic waves applied directly to the liquid or fluent solid material
    • G01F23/284—Electromagnetic waves
    • G01F23/292—Light, e.g. infrared or ultraviolet
    • G01F23/2921—Light, e.g. infrared or ultraviolet for discrete levels
    • G01F23/2922—Light, e.g. infrared or ultraviolet for discrete levels with light-conducting sensing elements, e.g. prisms
    • G01F23/2925—Light, e.g. infrared or ultraviolet for discrete levels with light-conducting sensing elements, e.g. prisms using electrical detecting means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/44—Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G01F23/22—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
    • G01F23/28—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring the variations of parameters of electromagnetic or acoustic waves applied directly to the liquid or fluent solid material
    • G01F23/284—Electromagnetic waves
    • G01F23/292—Light, e.g. infrared or ultraviolet
    • G01F23/2921—Light, e.g. infrared or ultraviolet for discrete levels
    • G01F23/2922—Light, e.g. infrared or ultraviolet for discrete levels with light-conducting sensing elements, e.g. prisms
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H33/00—Bathing devices for special therapeutic or hygienic purposes
    • A61H33/005—Electrical circuits therefor
    • A61H2033/0054—Electrical circuits therefor with liquid level detectors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for detecting the level of a liquid in a container.
  • a detection device of the type comprising:
  • One object of the invention is to provide an innovative detection device of the type described above.
  • a detection device of the abovementioned type characterized in that the optical structure extends mainly outside the container and faces the region inside said container only opposite its abovementioned first side surface.
  • FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a first example of embodiment of a device according to the present invention in which the level of the liquid to be detected lies below a predetermined threshold level;
  • FIG. 2 is a view, similar to that of FIG. 1 , but in which the level of the liquid lies above the predetermined threshold level;
  • FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a second example of embodiment of a device according to the present invention in which the level of the liquid to be detected lies below a predetermined threshold level;
  • FIG. 4 is a view, similar to that of FIG. 3 , but in which the level of the liquid lies above the predetermined threshold level.
  • 10 denotes overall a first embodiment of the device according to the present invention.
  • the device 10 is associated with a container 12 which receives inside it a substance 13 in the liquid state.
  • the container 12 may be a reservoir for a washing and/or rinsing agent for a dish-washing machine (details not shown).
  • the device 10 is designed to be associated also with other types of containers.
  • the device 10 comprises an optical structure 14 , an emitter 16 and a receiver 18 .
  • the optical structure 14 faces at least partly the region inside the container 12 along a portion corresponding to a predefined level of the liquid and has a main surface 14 a , a first side surface 14 b and a second side surface 14 c.
  • the first main surface 14 b and the second side surface 14 c are inclined at about 45° with respect to the main surface 14 a.
  • first side surface 14 b and the second side surface 14 c are inclined at 90° relative to each other.
  • the optical structure 14 extends mainly outside the container 12 and faces the region inside this container only opposite its abovementioned first side surface 14 b.
  • the optical structure 14 is advantageously a prism which has a cross-section substantially in the form of an isosceles triangle in which the larger side or hypotenuse is defined by the main surface 14 a and the two smaller sides or catheti are defined by the first side surface 14 a and the second side surface 14 b.
  • the emitter 16 (for example, an LED) and the receiver 18 (for example, a photodiode or a phototransistor) face the main surface 14 a of the optical structure 14 .
  • the emitter 16 is able to send a (visible or infrared) radiation beam L towards the first side surface 14 b .
  • the radiation beam L may in certain cases be reflected by the first side surface 14 b towards the second side surface 14 c and then be further reflected by the second side surface 14 c .
  • the latter is in turn able to direct this beam towards the receiver 18 .
  • the optical structure 14 may be assembled together with the container 10 by means of overmoulding.
  • the container 12 is shown in a condition where the liquid 13 contained therein lies below a predetermined threshold level TL.
  • the radiation beam L emitted by the emitter 16 is not substantially refracted, but is (mainly) reflected by the first side surface 14 b and by the second side surface 14 c towards the receiver 18 . Consequently the receiver 18 receives a radiation beam with a radiating intensity sufficient for this receiver 18 to be activated and supply a signal indicating the fact that the liquid is below the predetermined threshold level.
  • the abovementioned signal may also be forwarded to an external control unit (not shown).
  • the container 12 is shown in a condition where the liquid contained therein lies above the predetermined threshold level TL.
  • the liquid 13 covers the first side surface 14 b . Therefore the radiation beam L emitted by the emitter 16 is mainly refracted by the first side surface 14 b and is dispersed through the liquid 13 . Only a fraction L′ of the radiation beam L is reflected by the first side surface 14 b towards the second side surface 14 c and then towards the receiver 18 . The fraction L′ of the radiation beam L which reaches the receiver 18 has a radiating intensity insufficient for activating the latter.
  • the second side surface 14 c is preferably provided with an optically reflective coating 20 . In this way any component of the fraction L′ of the radiation beam L which is refracted by the second side surface 14 c is reduced.
  • 110 denotes overall a second embodiment of the device according to the present invention.
  • the device 110 in accordance with the second embodiment differs mainly in that the optical structure 114 of the device 110 is advantageously a prism which has a cross-section substantially in the form of an isosceles trapezium in which the larger base is defined by the main surface 114 a and the oblique sides define the first side surface 114 b and the second side surface 114 c.
  • the operating principle of the device 110 is the same as that of the device 10 according to the first embodiment and, for the sake of brevity, will not be described below.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Levels Of Liquids Or Fluent Solid Materials (AREA)
  • Automatic Analysis And Handling Materials Therefor (AREA)

Abstract

A device for detecting the level of a liquid in a container, includes an optical structure facing at least partly the region inside the container in a position corresponding to a predefined level of the liquid and having a main surface, a first side surface and a second side surface which are inclined at about 45° with respect to the main surface and about 90° relative to each other; and an emitter and a receiver facing the main surface of the optical structure and able to send a radiation beam towards the first side surface and, respectively, receive a radiation beam emitted by the emitter and reflected by the first and second side surfaces, when the level of the liquid inside the container is lower than the predefined level. The structure extends mainly outside the container and faces the region inside the container only opposite the first side surface.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a National Stage of International Application No. PCT/IB2010/051272, filed on Mar. 24, 2010, which claims priority from Italian Patent Application No. TO2009U000040, filed Mar. 26, 2009, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
The present invention relates to a device for detecting the level of a liquid in a container.
More specifically the invention relates to a detection device of the type comprising:
    • an optical structure facing at least partly the region inside the container in a position corresponding to a predefined level of the liquid and having a main surface, a first side surface and a second side surface, said side surfaces being inclined at about 45° with respect to the main surface and about 90° relative to each other;
    • an emitter and a receiver facing the main surface of the optical structure and able to send a radiation beam towards the first side surface and, respectively, receive a radiation beam emitted by the emitter and reflected by said first and second side surfaces when the level of the liquid inside the container is lower than said predefined level.
Some examples of this type of detection device are disclosed in the German document DE 100 28 630 in the name of the same Applicant and DE 298 05 548. In the devices illustrated in these documents the optical structure extends practically entirely inside the container and faces the inner region of the container opposite both the inclined surfaces.
One object of the invention is to provide an innovative detection device of the type described above.
This object, together with others, is achieved according to the invention by a detection device of the abovementioned type, characterized in that the optical structure extends mainly outside the container and faces the region inside said container only opposite its abovementioned first side surface.
Further characteristic features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following detailed description provided purely by way of a non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a first example of embodiment of a device according to the present invention in which the level of the liquid to be detected lies below a predetermined threshold level;
FIG. 2 is a view, similar to that of FIG. 1, but in which the level of the liquid lies above the predetermined threshold level;
FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a second example of embodiment of a device according to the present invention in which the level of the liquid to be detected lies below a predetermined threshold level; and
FIG. 4 is a view, similar to that of FIG. 3, but in which the level of the liquid lies above the predetermined threshold level.
With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, 10 denotes overall a first embodiment of the device according to the present invention.
In the first embodiment shown, the device 10 is associated with a container 12 which receives inside it a substance 13 in the liquid state. For example, the container 12 may be a reservoir for a washing and/or rinsing agent for a dish-washing machine (details not shown). In any case, the device 10 is designed to be associated also with other types of containers.
The device 10 comprises an optical structure 14, an emitter 16 and a receiver 18.
The optical structure 14 faces at least partly the region inside the container 12 along a portion corresponding to a predefined level of the liquid and has a main surface 14 a, a first side surface 14 b and a second side surface 14 c.
The first main surface 14 b and the second side surface 14 c are inclined at about 45° with respect to the main surface 14 a.
Moreover, the first side surface 14 b and the second side surface 14 c are inclined at 90° relative to each other.
The optical structure 14 extends mainly outside the container 12 and faces the region inside this container only opposite its abovementioned first side surface 14 b.
In the first embodiment of the device 10, the optical structure 14 is advantageously a prism which has a cross-section substantially in the form of an isosceles triangle in which the larger side or hypotenuse is defined by the main surface 14 a and the two smaller sides or catheti are defined by the first side surface 14 a and the second side surface 14 b.
The emitter 16 (for example, an LED) and the receiver 18 (for example, a photodiode or a phototransistor) face the main surface 14 a of the optical structure 14. The emitter 16 is able to send a (visible or infrared) radiation beam L towards the first side surface 14 b. Subsequently the radiation beam L may in certain cases be reflected by the first side surface 14 b towards the second side surface 14 c and then be further reflected by the second side surface 14 c. The latter is in turn able to direct this beam towards the receiver 18.
In an advantageous manner, the optical structure 14 may be assembled together with the container 10 by means of overmoulding.
The operating principle of the device 10 in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention will now be described.
In FIG. 1 the container 12 is shown in a condition where the liquid 13 contained therein lies below a predetermined threshold level TL. In this condition, the radiation beam L emitted by the emitter 16 is not substantially refracted, but is (mainly) reflected by the first side surface 14 b and by the second side surface 14 c towards the receiver 18. Consequently the receiver 18 receives a radiation beam with a radiating intensity sufficient for this receiver 18 to be activated and supply a signal indicating the fact that the liquid is below the predetermined threshold level. The abovementioned signal may also be forwarded to an external control unit (not shown).
In FIG. 2 the container 12 is shown in a condition where the liquid contained therein lies above the predetermined threshold level TL. In this condition the liquid 13 covers the first side surface 14 b. Therefore the radiation beam L emitted by the emitter 16 is mainly refracted by the first side surface 14 b and is dispersed through the liquid 13. Only a fraction L′ of the radiation beam L is reflected by the first side surface 14 b towards the second side surface 14 c and then towards the receiver 18. The fraction L′ of the radiation beam L which reaches the receiver 18 has a radiating intensity insufficient for activating the latter.
As can be seen in the embodiment shown in the FIGS. 1 and 2, the second side surface 14 c is preferably provided with an optically reflective coating 20. In this way any component of the fraction L′ of the radiation beam L which is refracted by the second side surface 14 c is reduced.
With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, 110 denotes overall a second embodiment of the device according to the present invention.
Details and parts which are similar to—or have the same function as—those in the first embodiment described above are indicated by the same reference numbers and/or letters preceded by 1.
The device 110 in accordance with the second embodiment differs mainly in that the optical structure 114 of the device 110 is advantageously a prism which has a cross-section substantially in the form of an isosceles trapezium in which the larger base is defined by the main surface 114 a and the oblique sides define the first side surface 114 b and the second side surface 114 c.
In this second embodiment, the operating principle of the device 110 is the same as that of the device 10 according to the first embodiment and, for the sake of brevity, will not be described below.
Obviously, without affecting the principle of the invention, the embodiments and the constructional details may be significantly modified with respect to that described and illustrated purely by way of a non-limiting example, the invention embracing all those variations of embodiment which achieve the same use owing to the same innovative ideas.

Claims (7)

The invention claimed is:
1. A device for detecting the level of a liquid in a container, comprising:
an optical structure facing at least partly the region inside the container in a position corresponding to a predefined level (TL) of the liquid and having a main surface, a first side surface and a second side surface, said side surfaces being inclined to about 45° with respect to the main surface and about 90° relative to each other; and
an emitter and a receiver facing the main surface of the optical structure and able to send a radiation beam (L) towards the first side surface and, respectively, receive a radiation beam (L) emitted by the emitter and reflected by said first and second side surfaces, when the level of the liquid inside the container is lower than said predefined level (TL);
wherein
the optical structure extends mainly outside the container and faces the region inside said container only opposite the first side surface.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the optical structure comprises a prism which has a cross-section substantially in the form of an isosceles triangle.
3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the optical structure comprises a prism which has a cross-section substantially in the form of an isosceles trapezium.
4. The device according to claim 1, wherein said second side surface is provided with an optically reflective coating.
5. A container comprising a device according to claim 1.
6. The container according to claim 5, wherein the optical structure is assembled by means of overmoulding onto the container.
7. The device according to claim 1, wherein said first side surface of the optical structure is arranged at least partially facing an opening in a side wall of said container.
US13/259,641 2009-03-26 2010-03-24 Device for detecting the level of a liquid in a container Expired - Fee Related US8810786B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITTO2009U000040 2009-03-26
IT000040U ITTO20090040U1 (en) 2009-03-26 2009-03-26 DEVICE FOR DETECTION OF THE LEVEL OF A LIQUID IN A CONTAINER
ITTO2009U0040 2009-03-26
PCT/IB2010/051272 WO2010109414A2 (en) 2009-03-26 2010-03-24 A device for detecting the level of a liquid in a container

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20120026514A1 US20120026514A1 (en) 2012-02-02
US8810786B2 true US8810786B2 (en) 2014-08-19

Family

ID=42781611

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/259,641 Expired - Fee Related US8810786B2 (en) 2009-03-26 2010-03-24 Device for detecting the level of a liquid in a container

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US8810786B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2411774A2 (en)
KR (2) KR20120019436A (en)
CN (1) CN102369419B (en)
IT (1) ITTO20090040U1 (en)
WO (1) WO2010109414A2 (en)

Families Citing this family (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SI23711B (en) 2011-04-05 2020-12-31 Elaphe Pogonske Tehnologije D.O.O. compact multiphase wave winding electric machine with a high specific torque
EP2591713B1 (en) * 2013-01-29 2023-02-01 V-Zug AG Household appliance with water level sensor
KR102122861B1 (en) * 2013-06-17 2020-06-29 삼성전자주식회사 Robot Cleaner and Method for Controlling the Same
JP6842473B2 (en) * 2016-05-03 2021-03-17 マリンクロット ホスピタル プロダクツ アイピー リミテッド Devices and methods for detecting liquid levels in transparent or partially transparent containers
JP6745183B2 (en) * 2016-09-30 2020-08-26 Juki株式会社 Oil amount detector for sewing machine
CN109813392A (en) * 2018-12-21 2019-05-28 深圳市怀睿科技有限公司 A kind of water-level detecting device and method of humidification machine
CN113366287A (en) * 2019-06-06 2021-09-07 东莞永胜医疗制品有限公司 Improved reservoir for a humidifier, medical device comprising the reservoir, humidifier comprising the reservoir and method thereof
CN114903388B (en) * 2021-02-09 2023-06-23 莱克电气股份有限公司 Cleaning device and liquid level detection method
WO2024036541A1 (en) * 2022-08-17 2024-02-22 云鲸智能创新(深圳)有限公司 Cleaning apparatus

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4788444A (en) * 1985-12-18 1988-11-29 Lucas Electrical Electronics And Systems Limited Liquid level detection
DE29805548U1 (en) 1998-03-26 1998-06-25 Bosch-Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH, 81669 München Device for indicating the level of liquid in a container
DE10028630A1 (en) 1999-06-11 2000-12-21 Elbi Int Spa Integrated dispenser for dishwasher washing and rinsing media has transmitter of radiation that is reflected back to receiver if rinse aid tank level falls below predefined level
US7040728B2 (en) * 2003-06-06 2006-05-09 Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Geometry for a dual level fluid quantity sensing refillable fluid container

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3954010A (en) * 1975-04-25 1976-05-04 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Visual and electronic battery hydrometer
CN86203418U (en) * 1986-05-31 1987-06-03 白闻喜 Penetrative liquid level indicator

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4788444A (en) * 1985-12-18 1988-11-29 Lucas Electrical Electronics And Systems Limited Liquid level detection
DE29805548U1 (en) 1998-03-26 1998-06-25 Bosch-Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH, 81669 München Device for indicating the level of liquid in a container
DE10028630A1 (en) 1999-06-11 2000-12-21 Elbi Int Spa Integrated dispenser for dishwasher washing and rinsing media has transmitter of radiation that is reflected back to receiver if rinse aid tank level falls below predefined level
US7040728B2 (en) * 2003-06-06 2006-05-09 Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Geometry for a dual level fluid quantity sensing refillable fluid container

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2411774A2 (en) 2012-02-01
US20120026514A1 (en) 2012-02-02
CN102369419A (en) 2012-03-07
KR101820760B1 (en) 2018-01-23
WO2010109414A3 (en) 2010-12-29
WO2010109414A2 (en) 2010-09-30
ITTO20090040U1 (en) 2010-09-27
KR20170020546A (en) 2017-02-22
KR20120019436A (en) 2012-03-06
CN102369419B (en) 2014-03-05

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8810786B2 (en) Device for detecting the level of a liquid in a container
EP2790079A3 (en) Robot cleaner
JP2010529434A5 (en)
EP2166374A3 (en) Reflective photoelectric sensor and object detecting method
PL1628241T3 (en) Device for detecting structures, such as profiles or stampings, on bodies of bottles or similar containers
WO2009151660A3 (en) Detecting a target using an optical augmentation sensor
WO2008105021A3 (en) Reflection optical sensor for determining the angular position of a rotating element
US7942059B2 (en) Sensor arrangement
CN102365533B (en) Apparatus for detecting the level of a liquid, a gel or a powder in a container
EP2130477A2 (en) A device for dispensing a washing agent in a washing machine, in particular a dishwasher
JP2007164282A (en) Touch type detection switch
US7437960B2 (en) Device for detecting labels on a carrier material
MX2018009438A (en) Infrared sensor assembly for ingredient level detection in beverage dispensers.
ITTO20070842A1 (en) DISHWASHER MACHINE WITH ANTI-FLOOD SAFETY SYSTEM
CN212415472U (en) Photoelectric water level detection structure and electric kettle thereof
EP3845098A1 (en) A coffee machine and a coffee beans container for a coffee machine
WO2009076944A3 (en) Radiation sensor for detecting the position and intensity of a radiation source
KR200485081Y1 (en) A smart pen with the transparent cover
ITMI990594A1 (en) DEVICE FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE LEVEL IN A CONTAINER
US20160223460A1 (en) Optical sensor for water-air detection
JP4386434B2 (en) Liquid level detector
WO2018143034A1 (en) Reflection-type sensor
KR20230126582A (en) Ringer content presence judgment system
CN204143532U (en) Photoelectricity opposite type sensor dustproof construction and ATM
JP2019103089A (en) Distance setting type photoelectric sensor

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: ELBI INTERNATIONAL S.P.A., ITALY

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:MARONE, GIUSEPPE;MUSSO, MARCO;REEL/FRAME:027499/0258

Effective date: 20111123

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE

MAFP Maintenance fee payment

Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 4TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1551)

Year of fee payment: 4

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: MAINTENANCE FEE REMINDER MAILED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: REM.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED FOR FAILURE TO PAY MAINTENANCE FEES (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: EXP.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362

FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 20220819